Advertisement

Magnesium: Key to CFS Mystery?

The mineral magnesium may unravel some of the mystery of CFS. According to research from the University of Southampton, U.K., patients suffering from CFS have low blood levels of magnesium and respond favorably to magnesium supplementation. Patients taking magnesium supplements report greater energy levels, improved emotional state, and less pain than those taking a placebo.

How magnesium exerts its effect on CFS is poorly understood. However, this mineral is important in the conversion of carbohydrates, protein and fats into energy, and other studies have shown magnesium to help treat anxiety, insomnia, and some mental disorders.

Amino Acids Show Promise

L-carnitine, an amino acid, is needed for the production of energy in the mitochondria of cells. Some researchers suspect that individuals with CFS may have mal functioning mitochondria. Accordingly, deficiencies of carnitine have been reported in some people with CFS. Even more suggestive is a study which found that supplemental intake of one gram of carnitine taken three times per day results in some alleviation of the symptoms of CFS.

Lysine's biggest claim to fame is for the relief of cold sores; but it may also have a link to CFS. As previously noted, the development of CFS is often preceded by a viral "flu-like" illness. This viral infection may be in the herpes family (cold sores result from the herpes simplex virus). In fact, the Epstein-Barr virus is in the herpes family.

Herpes viruses require the amino acid arginine for reproduction. But Lysine blocks the absorption of arginine, and for this reason inhibits the replication of the virus. Lysine, by "starving" the virus, may result in remission for CFS, as it does for cold sores. However, this is an area that still awaits further study with human CFS patients.

Energizing Nutrients and Coenzymes

NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucieotide) is a coenzyme that facilitates the body's energy-producing processes. Recently, the FDA approved NADH for an Investigational New Drug (IND) clinical trial in patients with CFS. The results of this study, according to Menuco Corporation (the licenser of the patented NADH product used in the trial), were recently presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology by Dr, J.A. Bellanti from Georgetown University Medical Center.

Dr. Bellanti reported that almost one-third of the CFS patients in this trial improved significantly while taking the NADH supplement. In fact, those taking NADH were four times more likely to experience symptom relief than those taking a placebo.

Another coenzyme, coenzyme QIO, may also be important for those with CFS. Coenzyme Q10 is concentrated in the mitochondria, where it is crucial for energy production. Although there have not been any studies with coenzyme QIO and CFS sufferers, several researchers suspect that there may be a link.

Vitamin C and vitamin E levels were found to be lower in those with CFS, when compared to healthy people, according to a recent study. Other nutrients that tended to be lower in the CFS group included magnesium and carnitine. Of the nutrients found to be low, vitamin C is particularly intriguing since inadequate vitamin C levels have been shown in other research to cause fatigue. In addition vitamin C is needed for a well-running immune system.

Ginkgo biloba, by increasing blood flow, has been suggested to be of potential benefit in CFS; but studies directly examining this connection are still lacking.

Recalculating Blood Pressure

An emerging explanation for CFS is related to blood pressure. Some research suggests that an abnormality in the regulation of blood pressure is the underlying cause of CFS.

The condition, called neurally mediated hypotension, is caused when sensors near the heart misinterpret the pooling of blood in the legs that happens when a person stands for a prolonged period and signals the body to faint. Over time, this may lead to the feelings of fatigue seen in those with CFS. This problem with blood pressure regulation has been documented in adults and teenagers suffering from CFS. The treatment for regulating blood pressure is a high salt diet and certain pharmaceutical drugs. However, this treatment should only be undertaken by those who have been diagnosed with neurally mediated hypotension.

The herb licorice is potentially valuable for CFS sufferers who have problems with blood pressure. Licorice that contains the compound glycyrrhizin (but not the "deglycyrrhizinated" licorice products) elevates blood pressure. One small study from the New Zealand Medical Journal (1995;108:156-7) found that a CFS patient taking 2.5 grams of licorice daily showed improvement.

General Immune Boosting Techniques

Maintaining a healthy immune system is another valuable method for preventing and treating CFS. A broad range of nutrients is important in a vigilant, well-functioning immune system. In particular, the antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E, and the carotenoids) help maintain and repair the immune system. Zinc, copper and selenium also play important roles in proper immune function.

On the herbal front, echinacea and garlic are particularly helpful for boosting the body's immune defenses and fighting off infections, respectively.

Medicinal mushrooms are also well known for strengthening the immune system. Maitake has been used traditionally to promote overall health, and modern research confirms the immune-modulating effect of this mushroom. Compounds in maitake known as polysaccharides (specifically beta-D-glucan) boost immune function, and in this way are potentially useful in CFS.